Amend 1 - RFQ Number 273FCC23Q0004 - QA.pdf

# RFQ Document Section / Page # /

Title Question FCC Response

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

PWS Section 4.3 / Task 3: Technical Management (p.11) & Combined Synopsis Solicitation (p.3)

Do we need to submit SOC 2 Type 1 report with the

RFP?

Would it be possible to provide it before the contract start or indeed before the full deployment of the solution is finished?

Ref PWS 4.3.2, ” Offeror shall provide documentation, including the relevant SOC 2 report, as part of their technical response confirming that the certification(s) held are valid as of the date of proposal submission.”

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

PWS Section 4.3 /

Task 3: Technical Management (p.11) & Combined Synopsis Solicitation (p.3)

Do you require ISO 27001 OR Cloud Security Alliance STAR Level 2 together with SOC 2 Type 1 report? We see ISO 27001 and SOC 2 have similar scope.

The SOC 2, Type 2 report is required for whichever standard that you elect to rely upon. FedRAMP certification will be preferred.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

PWS Section 4.3 /

Task 3: Technical Management (p.11) & Combined Synopsis Solicitation (p.3)

Is SOC 2 Type 1 report sufficient?

No. The SOC 2, Type 1 does not demonstrate the effectiveness of controls through continuous monitoring over a period of time. Offeror should instead provide the SOC 2, Type 2 report.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

PWS Section 4.3 /

Task 3: Technical Management (p.11) & Combined Synopsis Solicitation (p.3)

If we choose our Cloud Platform, can we present a letter of engagement to let you know that we are in the process of obtaining these certifications or do we need the certifications?

Ref PWS 4.3.2, “ Any cloud solution to host challenge process and crowdsource data shall have at least one of the following certifications that is valid as of the date of proposal submission”

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

PWS Section 4.3 /

Task 3: Technical Management (p.11) & Combined Synopsis Solicitation (p.3)

If we choose our Cloud Platform, could we just provide the certifications from our Cloud Provider?

Offeror should provide the certifications from their Cloud Provider, as well as the SLA or equivalent instrument addressing the respective security obligations between Offeror and Cloud Provider.

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Combined Synopsis Solicitation (p.2)

Could you please clarify where can we download or read the FAR 13.106-2(b)(3)?

See link to Access the Federal Acquisition Regulation, https://www.acquisition.gov

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

4.2 Task 2 Para 3: The new FCC Speed Test app shall

be made available at no cost to the public, and without advertisements or elements not specified or directed by the FCC. This also includes the requirement to provide notice to existing users of the migration to the new App.

What are the FCC marketing plan to promote the proposed mobile app download and usage across its constituencies?

The FCC will post a link on its website with information about how to download the app and FAQs.

Additionally, the FCC will encourage consumers, service providers, governments, and other entities to use the app to participate in the mobile challenge and crowdsource processes associated with its Broadband Data Collection. This effort includes posting information about the app on its website and communicating directly with potential users in various ways.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Follow on to Q7 above

To hone our pricing for the solution proposed can the following info be provided:

Average # of tests performed by device users by day, week, and month?

# of tests performed at peak levels during the day, week, and month?

As of now, we are experiencing a few thousand tests being conducted on a weekly basis with a peak level of around 4,000 tests on a day. We expect the numbers to grow as more consumers, service providers, governments, and other entities use the App to participate the BDC program.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Follow on to Q7 above

To hone our pricing for the support of the existing device FCC Mobile App user base can the following info be provided:

1. Current installed base of active users on both iOS and Android?

2. Current number of unique user and devices that generate tests daily, monthly and yearly.

3. Current number of monthly active and peak users?

4. Historic growth of user base on both iOS and Android (trends for 5 years would be helpful)?

5. 5 year projection on expected number of device users downloading and using mobile app

6. Current volume of data stored by the current solution

7. What is the projected conversion rate for migration of existing FCC Speed Test mobile app users to the new app?

The current userbase is about 50,000 this month, which are "active users" that ran at least one test. Since BDC is a new program, and the App is an essential component of it, we expect the number to go up, but doesn't have a clear projection.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Task 4: Operations, Maintenance, & Support reqmts.

To continue operation of the FCC Speed Test app under its brand name, the Contractor shall complete the tasks involved with transfer of the current “FCC Speed Test” app brand in Google Play and Apple App Store to the Contractor’s account to retain the brand and existing userbase by no later than July 31, 2023.

Is the existing FCC Speed Test Mobile App implemented as Cloud based or an on-premises solution?

As a Cloud based solution, data are collected by the Contractor then transmitted, via API, to the FCC on a regular basis.

Attachment 4 and 5 iOS and Android UI

Complete Doc What variations from the current UI etc. are allowed relative to the current Mobile App provided in Attachments 4 and 5?

Any necessary improvements and new UI variations are allowed/expected, and there isn't a prerequisite.

Attachment 4 and 5 iOS and Android UI

Complete Doc Can additional features / screens not currently available on the existing FCC Mobile Speed Test Mobile App be proposed to be delivered to users?

Yes, we require new features, included in the PWS, to be implemented, and any additional features to be proposed for FCC's consideration.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Same as Q10 above

Will source code of the existing FCC Mobile App be provided to the vendor assuming role of Ops., Maint., and Support?

Does FCC own or license the IP developed for these mobile solutions?

No, it’s not open sourced, and the Contractor is neither required to implement the same components nor should they reuse the components.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Our experience with collecting crowdsourcing data is that the data needs to be audited for quality purposes.

Is the FCC going to provide the current guidelines for the Q&A process or we have to propose our own methodology?

All the required and optional data types to be collected and transmitted to the FCC database is provided in the BDC Mobile Speed Test Data Specification document (https://us-fcc.app.box.com/v/bdc-mobile-speedtest-spec). The App must comply with the methodology described in 2022 FCC Speed Test App Technical Description (https://www.fcc.gov/file/24078/download), and the overall measurement performance must be vetted through and comply with the OET’s speed test app per formance review procedure described in Appendix A of OET Bulletin No.

75 (https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/oet75.pdf).

15 General Due to the magnitude of the RFP, is it possible to request an extension so we have enough time to prepare our proposal?

RFQ response date is extended from March 10, 2023 to March 14, 2023. 4pm Eastern.

16 General

Further Enterprise solutions is one of the main telecom services company providing design and network optimization to the tier-1 carriers in the US.

Our name cannot be utilized for marketing claims internally or externally. Please, confirm that this is the case.

Vendor's name may not be utilized for marketing claims internally or externally if such utilization indicates endorsement associated with the FCC. However, Vendor may assert claims that are factual. Vendor must obtain approval from the FCC prior to asserting any marketing claims involving the FCC.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Considering: That the staffing if helpdesk is a major cost, are there any detailed requirements about FCC expectation about the various helpdesk channels response time?

No detailed requirements, but effective support and expeditious response time are expected for technical/usability inquiries. Any BDC program related inquires would be forwarded to the FCC by email.

Attachment+1_FCC_BD C_PWS_Mobile_App

Can FCC provide experience values on the number and quantity of inquiries/tickets for the helpdesk?

Currently, the number of inquiries is minimal (a few per month), and it’s expected that an intuitive app could maintain the low number of inquiries.

19 Attachment 4 and 5 Does FCC provide the graphics/assets which are being used within the sample UI?

No, it is expected that the Contractor provide the most efficient and effective UI that features the App requirements.

Attachment 4 and 5 iOS and Android UI

Does the UI needs to be exactly the same as the described in Appendix 4 and 5 or are there any graphical changes possible which are agreed during the R&D process?

No, it is expected that the Contractor provide and propose the most efficient and effective UI that features the App’s requirements during the R&D process.

Attachment 4 and 5 iOS and Android UI

Are parts or the entire current FCC app available as open source and do these components need to/can be reused?

No, it’s not open sourced, and the Contractor is neither required to implement the same components nor should they reuse the components.